Automatic recoil-operative firearm.



PATENTBD AUG. 21, 1906.

W. H. KNOWLBS. AUTOMATIC REOOIL OPERATIVB FIREARM.

LPPLIOATIOH FILED MAY 19, 1905.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

fiuezz/Zar PATENTBD AUG. 21, 1906.

w.- H KNOWLES. AUTOMATIC RBGOIL OPERATIVEPIREABM.

APPL

GATIOII FILED MAY 19, 1805.

4 sinus-sum a. J

masses No. 829,163. PATENTED AUG. 21, 1906. w. H. KNOWLES.

AUTOMATIC REGOIL OPBRAIIVE FIREARM. A PPLIO.&TIOH FILED lune. 1905.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE. WILLIAM KNOWLES, OF HARTEORD, CONNECTICUT.

AUTOMATIC REOO ILOPERATIVE FIREARM.

Specification of Letters Batent.

Patented Aug. 21, 1906.

Application filed May 19, 1995- Serial No: 281,265.

To all whom, it may concern:

Be it known that I, WILLIAM H. KNOWLES, a citizen of the United States of America, and a resident of Hartford, in the county of Hartford and State of Connecticut, have invented certain new and useful Im rovements in Automatic Recoil-Operative irearms, of which the following is a full, clear, and exactdescri tion.-

is invention relates to machine guns and analogous firearms in which the successive operations of loading and firing are made to ra idly occur at the Wlll of the operator by recoi -operated means included in the mechanism of the firearm.

rt principal object of this invention is to provide in a gun of this class improved recoiloperated means for automatically feeding in the belt-carried cartridge ammunition and for the transferring of the cartridges successively from the belt to the cartridgechamber in the barrel and also to provide novel and im roved means coacting with the cartridgeeedin means for extracting and ejecting the ex ioded cartridge-shells.

Another object is to provide an entirely new and reor anized system of firing mech-,

anism includin a firlng-pin-enga 'n sear and simple an reliable devices w ic control the operations thereof.

Another object is to provide a machinegun of the class described comprisin a minimum number of parts, the indivi ual form and character of which are such as to well withstand the wear and strain to which they are subjected and which present no difiiculties in their manufacture and assemblage.

Another important feature of this invention lies in the peculiar construction of the frame and rear closure-block or butt-piece for the same which admit of a novel manner of assembling or dismounting all of the framecontained arts without the emplo ment of any specia tools or im lements t e main tenance of the assemble parts of the arm in their respective-and cooperative positions being accomplished without the requirement of screws or other fastening means, such as have heretofore been necessary.

The more rominent features of invention included in t is firearm are found in or constituted b the cartridge-belt-feeding device and operating in conjunction with a peculiar formation of the frame for withdra the cartridges successively from the cartridgebelt and insuring their positioning to be enga ed by the breech-piece, this means contri uting in large measure in the operation of extraction and ejection of the empty shells; the combination of barrel-receiver, breechpiece, and firing-pin, which combined parts ave formations and coactions for automat ically and in proper time locking the breechpiece within the receiver for the required concurrent movements of said arts and for the unlocking of such parts for t eir required independent movements; the combination with the firing-pin contained within and movable relative to the receiver-inclosed breechiece of t e sear and a controlling means or the sear; new means for initially utting the parts of the action into condition or continuous rapid or intermittent firing; the. combination, with the coacting firin -pm and sear, of a trip-rod recoil-operated an controlling the sear so that after its each discharge thefirearm assumes a cooked condition, together with the further combination therewith of a firing-button to be controlled by the thumb and for assurin accordin to the pressure or release on sai button, t e successive rapid loadings and discharges of the gun or the suspension of such operation, and the general combination or organization and arrangement of the parts for their conjoint operations and results, as particularly shown a in the drawings definitely described herein after.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of the improved firearm. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the butt portion of the same. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the rear portion of the frame, showing certain new structural formations, to be hereinafter particularl referred to. Fi .4is a perspective view of t ebutt-bloclr or uttpiece. Fig. .5 is a perspective V ew of the trip-rod. ig. 6 is a perspective view of the parts of the device shown in separated relations having cooperative locking arrangements with the trip-rod and utt block;

Fig. 6 is a sectional view as taken on line 6 6, Fi 20, through a part of the receiver and ri thereon in relation to the head of a cartridge for making clear a structural feature hereinafter more particularly referred to. Fig. 7 is a longitudinal section through the firing-arm, taken on the plane indicated by the line 'y y, Fig. 2, and also on the cross-soclIO tional view, Fig. 16. Fig. 8 is a longitudinal sectional view of the firearm, taken onthe plane represented by the line a: as, Figs. 2 and 16. Figs. 9, 10, 11, 12, and 13 are cross-sectional views taken, respectively, on the lines 9 9,10 10,1111,12 12,and1313 of Fig. 8, all as seen looking toward the rear of the firearm. Fig. 14 is substantially a longitudinal sectional View as taken on the plane a: w, the

same as Fig. 8, but showing the parts in their relations as assumed instantly following the dischar e and recoil of the gun. Fig. 15 is a view su bstantially similar to Fig. 14 with the parts taken in section on the same plane, but showing the relations of the arts as assumed at a slightly-later instant 1n the 0 eration of the n from those assumed in ig. 14. 16 16, ig. 8, as seen looking in a forward direction. Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a hook retaining sprin to be hereinafter more definitely referre to. Fi 18 is a erspective view of a detent for t e cartri gebelt, which has an intermittent feed movement transversely of the firearm. Fi 19 is a perspective view of the cartridgeeeding hook-rod, shown in its relation to a portion of the barrel-receiver. Fig. 20 is a pers ective view showing a portion of the barrel, t e barrel-receiver, the breech-piece, and firingin and equipments of said parts. Fi 21 1s a perspective view of a portion of t e firing- Bin. Fig. 22 is a perspective view of the reech-plece. Fi 23 1s a plan view of a rear portion of t e breech-piece, together with a portion of the firing-pin. Figs. 24 and 25 are vertical longitudinal sectional views, on a considerably-enlarged scale, of the firing mechanism, located at the butt portion of the gun, and showing the parts in different positions in the different views. In the drawings the frame A, which is of considerable length relative to its diameter, has centrally located in the lower cylindrical portion thereof and extending longitudinally therethrough the hole or bore A. This bOlG is suitably countcrbored and shouldered for the accommodation of various parts, to be hereinafter described. The forward end of the bore A is carried somewhat beyond the forward end of the frame proper in the barrel-supporting extension A and is at this oint of reduced diameter and forms a closely- Etting bearing for the sliding barrel B.

The barrel B, which usually has a rifled bore and a cartridge-chamber at its breech end, is screw-connected by its said breech end to a receiver C, this receiver being, in fact, a rear extension of the barrel and is in substance the same as an inte ral part,

thereof. The cylindrical body .0 the receiver C is of slightlyreater diameter than that of barrel B and as centrally located therein and extending longitudinally therethrough a hole or bore 2. A mortise-like sitely locate Fi 16 1s a cross-sectional view on line opening 3, somewhat lon er than the cartridge used 'in the arm an of a width equal to diameter of bore 2, is formed in the top ortion of the receiver. Directly below and in line with this 0 ening 3 is a similar opening 4, (of a Widt somewhat less than the bore 2,) formed in the lower portion of said receiver. At the forward end portion 'of these openin s 3 and 4 are diagonally o poangularly-extending ral) )ets or cuts 5 5, both thereof being indicated in Fig 20 and also in Fig. 10.

he forward cylindrical end portion of the receiver-body C, adjacent its uncture with barrel B, has rovided thereon an upwardlyextending and downwardly and rearwardly inclined recessed or notched projection or lug 6, Figs. 8, 19 and 20. The correspondingcylindrical rear portion of the receiver has formed as one therewith or secured thereon the rib-like cam 7, the cam ed e of which extends from a point over the orward end of the mortise 3 rearwardly and downwardly to a point near the rear end of said mortise, all as clearly shown in Figs. 8, 11, 14, 15, and 20. Within the receiver C and fitted to slide longitudinally in the bore 2 thereof is the sliding reech-piece G. The forward end of this breech-piece G has a notched or recessed cross-head I, on the forward end face of which are formed the slides 9 9, which are of a form to fit and enga e the cannelured head of a cartridge. This reechieceGis bored from its rear end longitudina ly to a point adjacent its front end for the reception of the strai ht cylindrical portion of the firing-pin H, which has a sliding engagement in as well as another manner of engagement therewith. This firing-pin H at its rear end ortion is of an enlarged diameter equal to the bore 2 of the receiver, its forward portion being of a somewhat reduced diameterthat is, of a diameter equal to the above-described bore in the breechiece G;

The orward end of the firingin terminates in a conical-shaped oint, which is received in a similar-shape end formation in the bore 10 of the breech-piece. This conical end in the bore 10 has a small hole 12 contrally rovided therein and centrall of the face 0 breech-piece head I, through which the point of the firing-pin H projects. The extreme rear end of the firingin has formed thereon a disk-like head 13, t 's head being partly of a diameter equal to that of the receiver C, but having a (portion 14 at its up er edge'slightl extende which fits and iias en wise-sli ing engagement with a corresponding shallow-grooved portion 15 of the bore A of the frame A, Figs. 11 and 12, to the end that in its .backward and forward slidingmovements the firing-pin II is thereby prevented from any rotation within the bore A.

The breech-piece G. within and relatively to which the firing-pin H has the endwise movement, has imparted thereto a partial rotation at each forward and rearward movement by the en agement of the lugs h on the non-rotatable ringin H with the angular or cam portion 9 0 the breech-piece slots G and the diametrically op osite and parallei straight portions g of said slots have also an im ortant function, as will be hereinafter described.

The firing-pin H has a central ,-bore 1 and receives therein a spring M, which abuts by its forward end against the forward end of bore n, its rear end being attached to a springsnpporting rod m adjacent the rear end of the latter. The rear end portion of this spring-rod m is of reduced diameter and fits in a hole m of like diameter in the buttpiece 0, Figs. 4, 7, and 8, and is maintained in place therein by the rearward pressure of the spring M on said rod.

The rear portion of the frame A is cut away underneath for some little distance from its end, and the side walls of this aperture A? thus produced have vertically-extending grooves 16 16, Figs. 3 and 13.

The butt-piece 0 (see Fig. 4) has a crosssectional shape fitting the cutawa portion A of the frame A and has forme on each side thereof the vertically-extending ribs 18 18 which fit into the grooves 16 16 in the si e walls of the cut or aperture A in frame A, and whereby when the butt-piece O has been inserted in the frame-aperture A and pushed vertically upwardly into its place therein a strong and effectual rear closure of the frame is attained.

A suitable handpiece or grip 20 is formed on and integral with the butt-piece O and may have attached thereto the usual cheekpieces.

The frame A, above the cylindrical lower ortionthereof, is reinforced or thickened, as is shown in the various cross-sections of the drawings, and has formed in said reinforced portion various chamber cuts or recesses. These cuts, in which are located important coacting arts of'the arm, are arran ed in )lanes re ative to the center of the ame ore A, as indicated by the section-lines a: w and y y of- Figs. 2 and 16.

A hook-rod K, which constitutes the feeding device for the cartridge-belt, (shown in Figs. 7 and 19,) is supported and guided atits front end portion and has endwise move ments in hole or bore 23 in the upper reinforced cpart of frame A, the rear end of the said ro being also guided in the hole or bore 24 in the butt-piece O. The hook or offset portion 22 of the hook-rod, which is straight and extends parallel with the front end portion of the said rod, is clearly illustrated in Figs. 14, 15, and 19.

An intermediate portion of the hook-rod K, which is over the receiver C when the latter is in its normal position, is flattened and given a s iral twist, as seen at 21, (see Figs. 7 and 19, and the forward end of said twisted portion terminates in a pronounced shoulder 25, and the flattened and s read portion 21 of the said rod en ages in the recess or notch in lug 6 of the receiver, and at certain periods in. the operation of the arm the hook-rod is partially rotated by reason of endwise movements of the receiver relatively to the hookrod. One important function of this hookrod K is the sup ort it affords to the spring L of the arm. 'l his spring L, bein coiled around the rod, abuts at its rear en against the butt-piece O and exerts a powerful forward pressure on the rear side or the receiverlug 6, thereb keeping the receiver C and barrel B norma ly in a forward position in the frame A, and-this s ring L is for forward] 1 retractin the barre after yielding at each recoil an will be herein termed the barrelretracting spring.

For the automatic supplying of cartridges successively to the arm to sustain a ra id fire therefrom the ordinary feed-belt well nown in this class of firearms is employed.

The exact manner for automatically delivering the cartridges 26 carried in the belt 27 through the aperture 28 in frame A into and within the arm and the subsequent withdrawing of the cartridges one at a time in succession from the loops 29 of said belt, together with the simultaneous movement of the emptied portion of the belt through the oppositely'located egress-aperture 30,will be later described with particularity in connection with other coacting arts which are instrumental in and contri )ute to the ammunition-su pply feed.

In Fig. 8 of the drawings, which is a longitudinal section of the arm as taken on line a: as of Figs. 2 and 16, the cocking and tripingrod or trip-rod, as it will be termed, is shown at J as supported in the reinforced upper portion of frame A within the hole or bore 31. A flattened or cut-away underside portion of this trip-rod J has terminal shoulders 32 and 33, which are alternately engaged by the lug 34 on cam-rib 7 of the receiver C, this cam-rib being guided and having longi tudinal movement in the angularly-inclined slot 35, which slot connects the trip-rod bore 31 with the main bore A of frame A. (See Figs. 3, 8, 12, &c.) This cam-rib 7, guided in the slot 35, prevents the turning of the barrel and receiver. The rear end portion of the trip-rod is supported and guided within the recess or notch 36 in the butt-pieceO and has formed thereon the knurled knob 37, which normally lies within the depression 38, formed in the butt-piece O. A slight endwise movement that is imparted to the trip-rod J by the flattened portion 39 of the trip-rod, (see Figs. 5, 6, 7, 8, and 13,) with which a transversely-located springressed sto -bolt 40 engages. This stop-b t 40, as re erence to the above-mentioned figures of the drawings illustrate, slides within a shouldered or counterbored hole 41 in the upper portion of the butt-piece O and has an upwardly-extending pm 42, which protrudes through a transverse slot 43 in the said part 0. Provision for easy access to this pin for manipulationis made by the cut-away portions 44 of the frame A. At the opposite or counterbored end of the hole 41 a shouldered fastening-bolt 45 is rovided, which engages a hole 41" in frame thereby preventing the buttpiece 0 from dropping downward from its assembled position. A spring 46 within hole 41, interposed between the stop-bolt 40 and the fastening-bolt 45, furnishes endwise s pring-pressure for both.

In the operation of taking apart of the arm it is a noteworthy fact that as no screws, bolts, or pins are employed in its construction its capability for withstanding rough service and its consequent military value are greatly enhanced, the unlocking operation necessary to permit the dismantling of the piece being the pushing in of the shouldered fastening-bolt 45 from the outside of hole 41 by means of a piece of wire, a nail, or other small object until the said bolt 45 is entirelv within the hole 41 of the butt-piece, at which time a downward pressure on the butt-piece permits of its being entirely removed, and thereafter oermitting the rearward withdrawal of the barrel B, the receiver C, the breech-piece, and the firingpin from the frame A.

The lowering movement of the butt-piece carries the ribs 18 18 thereof below the lower ends of the grooves 16 in the frame, the rod m in this operation being downwardly tilted and offering no obstruction to the disengaging movement of the butt-piece, it being understood that the lparts are to be so designed or proportioned t mat the engaging ribs may become disengaged from the frame before the limit of downwardtilting movement of the rod m is reached, the butt-piece then being free to be drawn away rearwardly.

In the lower portion of the butt-piece O in line with the bore A of the arm and extending from the rear face thereof nearly throu h said piece is a hole or bore 48, in which t e hollow cylindrical firing-button P is fitted for a sh ht endwise movement against the re'arwarf pressure of its internal spring 50. An inclined slot 51 in the butt-piece 0 connects this bore 48 with the trip-rod-supporting recess 36. This slot is forwardly open, connecting with the rear end of the frame bore A, and is rearwardly closed, as a reference to Figs. 8, 14, and and more especially to the enlarged views Figs. 24 and of the drawings clearl shows. Pivotal] orted in the forwar ortion of this s 0t 51 is the sear S. A d dwnwardly-extending member 52 thereof extends across the open front end of the firin -button P and receives the forwardly-exerte pressure of the aforesaid spring 50. A forwardly-extending hook 55 of sear S rojects within and beyond the slot 51 into t e rear portion of the frame-bore A and in direct line with an aperture 56 in the rearwardly-located flange-like firing-pin head. The upper edge of this aperture 56 is slightly below the normal osition of the point of the sear-hook 55, w ereby such u per edge of the aperture 56 at a time near 1; e termination of the rearward movement of the firing-pin head 13 encounters the rounded or inclined forward portion of hook 55 and depressing the same slightly against the pressure of s ring causes, relatively speaking, the sai hook to pass throu h aperture 56, (this being coincident with t e completion of the rearward movement of the firing-pin head 13,) at which time the hook 55 resumes its normal horizontal position, thereby holding the firin -pin in its cocked osition, as is clearly s own in Fig. 25 o the drawings.

The upper edge portion of the pivoted sear S has formed therein the. rearwardlyopen round aperture or socket 60, in which a c osely-fitting approximately circular extremity 61 of the triangular sear-operatin dog 'T is engaged. This triangular-sha e (log T is of a thickness but slightly less t an that of the slot 51, in which it is movably supported. The normal position of this dog within the slot 51 is as shown in full lines in Fig. 24, with its top side horizontal and its rear rounded corner 62 engaged by the upper portion of a cam depression 63 in the knob 37 of trip-rod J. The lower round-ended extremity 65 of the dog T is closely and positively enga ed within the slot 66 in the upper portion of t e firing-button P, whereby, as a reference to Fig. 24 illustrates, a pressure on the externallyrejecting end of the firin button carries tiie corner 65 of dog T forward,

ICC

drawing corner 62 downward over the forwardly-projecting cam 63 of the knob 37, and thereby carrying the top portion of the dog in a forward direction, which results in swinging the pivoted sear S to the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 25 of the drawings, and thus by the depressin of hook 55 the firingpin head 13 is released.

The above-described movements, caused by the pressing of the firing-button, are such as wou d transpire had the head-piece been reviously coc ed and the barrel-receiver ibrwardly returned to its normal position. A prolonged pressure on said firing-button causes the continued recoil-operated automatic loading and firing of the piece by the instrumentahty of the coacting parts embodied in the present invention, the 0 eration of which will be described. One on of the belt 27, the loops 29 of which are loaded with cartridges 26, is inserted through the transom-aperture 28 into the chamber of the frame Am a position as shown in Figs. 1 and 8 of the drawings. A small cartridge-retainin spring 71 (shown in po'sition in Fi 16 an in detail in Fi 18) permits the'beTt of cartridges to pass t ereunder and into the chamber 70, but prevents any return motion thereof.

The above-described preparatory o eration for insuring a continuous supp y 0 cartridges to the arm having been performed, the trip-rod J is released from its retainin engagement with the locking-bolt 40, which is accomplishcd b the movement toward the right of the loc ing-bolt pin 42. The triprod J is then drawn rearwardly by means-0f its knob 37.

Areferenoc to Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings illustrates the various parts of the arm as shown in the lpositions which they occupy relative to (ac ing rearward of the trip-rod, and referrin" particularly to Fi 8 it will be understoo that by reason of the lug 34 on the cam-rib 7 of the receiver being adjacent andto the rear of shoulder 32 of the trip-rod J a resultant rearward movement is imparted thereby to tho barrel-receiver C, with its contamed brcech-phco G and firing-pin H. The limit of this rearward moving of the above-mentioned parts and the position said parts assume on the completion of the same is illustratcd in Fig. 14 of the drawings, it being un- (11 rstood that the trip-rod has been pushed forwardly to its place or has been so returned by its engagement with the lug 34, which is l to be considered as a part of the receiver, which is always returned to its forward position by the spring L.

Reftrring now to Fi s. 7 and 19 of the drawings, it will be un c'rstood that on the commrncement of this rearward movement Oftllo rc or ivcr C, by the rearward pulling out of the trip-rod J, as described, the hook-rod K, (encircled by the barrel-retracting sprin L, is carried rearward by the engagement 0 its spiralcam portion 21' within the notched rocriver-lu 6 to the len thwise extent of the butt-piece ore 24, and uring this portion of the rearward traveling movement of the receiver an tr ndoncy of the hook-rod to rotate axia ly is resisted by the hook-engaging spring 75, which spring is illustrated inthc position it occupies in the arm in Figs. 8, 9, and 16 and in detail in Fig. 17.

The above-discribed portion of the rearward movement of the receiver C simultaneously performs another important operation of the armi. e., a small curved rib 76 on the side of the receiver-lug 6 enga es the cannelured head of a cartridge 26 on t e feedother previous to the draw:

cartrid e 26.

ing into chamber 70 of the lattcr and on the rearward movement of the receiver operates thereby to draw the cartridge 26 from its loop 29 in belt 27 and 'to convey it roarwardly. This withdrawal rearwardly of the cartridge is closely followed b the rearward movement of the hook 22 of ookrod K, to the end that the emptied loop 290i the belt is entered and engaged by the rear end portion of the hook 22.

Referring to Fi 14 of thc drawings, it will be understoo that on the continuedrearward movement of receiver C, the hook 22 of rod K having moved to the rearward of its retaining-spring 75, the hook-rod K is retated by the action between the notched re ceiverlug 6 and the flattened spiral-rod portion 21", thereby causing the hook 22 to assume the position shown in full lines in said Fi 14 and indicated by dotted lines in Fig. Elfby reason of which rotated osition the oartridgecarrying belt 27 is pu led upward and crosswise into the chamber 7 0, thereby in another cartridge and carrym throug the outlet-aperture 30 the emptie portion of the belt 27. This above-described continued rearward movement of receiver C also draws farther rearward the rib-engaged In this continued orfinal sta e o rearward movement of the said cartri ge an overhead inclined cam portion 78 of the chamber 70 deflects the rear end of the cartridge to the position shown in said Fig. 14. The barrel-retracting spring L is at this time com ressed, the firing-pin head 13 is engaged byt e sear T, the firing-pin spring M is under compression, the trip-rod J is moved sliglhtly rearward by the engagement with its s oulder 33 by the receiver-carried lug 34, and any exploded cartridge-shell that may have been in the barrel B is still in position therein and engaged by the flanges 9 9 of breechpiece G. As stated in the precedin paragraph, the firingpin at this time is he d rearward by the engagement of the hook member 55 of the sear therewith; but in this case (a prolonged pressure being maintained on the firing-button P) the above-rcferred-to sear engagement of the firing-pin is produced automatically (instead of manually) by the rearward swinging movement of the top portion of the triangular dog T on its lower or fulcrum point 65, this movement of dog T being directly caused by the swinging movement of the sear S, actuated by the springressure on member 52 thereof, as shown in ull lines in Fig. 25, which movement of the scar S and the corresponding rearward movement of the top portion of the dog T is per mitted b the rearward retirement of tho oam-sur ace 63 of the knob portion of the trip-rod.

t the termination of the previously-described manuallyoperated rearward withdrawin drawal of the trip-rod and the consequent 13o drawing rearward from the cartridge-belt of a cartridge 26, the trip-rod is forced again to its forward position within the frame A. This return in the forward direction of the trip-rod releases the receiver C (by the disenga ement of trip-rod shoulder 32 from' lug 34 of cam-rib 7) from its rearwardly-held position, as shown in Fig. 14, and retractingspring L by its engagement with the rear side of receiver-lug 6 immediately carries said receiver and the barrel B forward in the frame A to the position .shown in Fig. 16. The breech-piece G within the receiver 0 is also carried forward a distance nearly equal to the length of the breech-piece slot G be cause of the engagement of the breech-piece head I in the angular receiver-recess 5; but during the latter part of this concurrent forward travel of the receiver and breech-piece the angular portions 9 of said breech-piece slots impart a slight partial rotation to the breech-piece, thus unlocking the head I from the said receiver-recess, and thereby permitting the receiver C and barrel B to complete their forward movement as impelled by the retracting-spring L. The breech-piece G within the receiver C remains-held back from an extreme forward movement as imparted to the receiver'that is, it momentarily stays in the position of Fig. 15 by the engagement or binding in the angular portions of the slots 9 of the firing-pin lugs h. It will be stated at this point that during the movement of the breechiece as forwardly carried by the receiver om the position shown in Fig. 14 to the position shown in Fig. 15 the relative action between the inclined slots G in the tubular body of the receiver and the radial studs h of the firin -pin is effective to partially rotate the reechpiece, so that it is rocked from its position of interlock, as shown in Fig. 10, within the cuts 5 of the receiver, and the lon er one of the flanges 9 about concurrent wit the unlocking of the breech-piece from the receiver arrives to a position of restraining engagement with the head of the cartridge, so that the forward and downward impingement by the cam 7 will be without effect to forwardly force the cartridge and can have only the action on the latter of crowding it farther downwardly in engagement between the op-.

osite flanges 9 9 in a direction perpendicuar to the axis of the breech'piece.

The forwardly-completing movement of the receiver independently of and relatively to the breech-piece of a distance more or less nearly equal to the length of the receiver-mortises 3 and 4 results in the forcing downwardly of the rearwardly-withdrawn cartridge from its deflected position, as seen in Fig. 14, by the'engagement therewith of the under cam edge of the receiver-rib 7, and on the continued forward movement of the barrel and receiver to the fully-forward posiforced rearwardly widening cam 7 to line with the bore of the barrel and with its cannelured head in firm engagement with the opposite flanges or inturned lips 9 9 of the breech-piece head I.

The rib 76 on the lug 6 of the barrel-receiver C is made, as shown in Fig. 6, with a perpendicular or abrupt rear side and a forwardly-beveled front side, so that as the receiver has its forwardly-retracting movement the forwardly-inclined face of the rib 76 downwardly crowd the cartridge, the forward boundary of the groove being circumferentially less prominent than shoulder at the rear of the cartridge-head groove. When the cartridge is drawn by the rib 76 rearwardly from the belt to the position shown in Fig. 14, the breech-piece in its partial rotary movement changing from the position of Fig. IOto the position of Fig. 11, engages the cartridge-head at its one side by its longer end flange 9,'(shown at the left in Fig. 10,) the cut-away upper portion of the right-hand flange 9 passing freely under and past the cartridge-head.

ny empty cartridge-shell which may have been 1n the cartridge-chamber of the barrel and the head of which was engaged by the said flanges 9 9 of the head I is withdrawn from its position in the barrel during the above-described independent forward movement of the barreland receiver relatively to the breech-piece and. is then crowded downwardly as shown in Fig. 15 of the drawings, b t e cam-depressed fresh cartridge, and tus expelled from its engagement with the said flanges 9 9.

The final movement of the parts described, resulting in the carrying forward of the fresh cartrid e now engaged by the breech-piece head I into the cartridge-chamber of the barrel and the ejecting of the ex loded shell ines in Fig. 15, engagement at this receiver-carried cam-rib 7 with the forward shoulder 32 of the trip-rod which carries said rod forward a slight distance, to the .end that the triangularshaped dog T, having its rear corner 62 in engagement with the lower portion of the cam-surface 63 of the trip-rod knob, is swung forward on its fulcrum-point'G-fi in the firing-button, and by its sear-engaging corner 61 operates said sear S to depress its hook member 55, and thereby releases and permits of the sudden forward movement of the firing-pin. The first part of this forward movement of the said firing-pin H carries the breech-piece G with it, b reason of the obstruction which the angu ar portions 9 of the breech-piece slots present against the firingpin lufgs h. This stage of the forward motion 0 the breech-piece and firing-pin as one .ments are rapidly re eated so long serves to carry the fresh cartridge into the barrel-chamber and, in conjunction with the forward edge of the shell-tripping groove 80 at the rear end of the frame-opening 81, ejects said shell in the manner illustrated in dotted lines in Fi 15.

Coincident wit the seating of the cartridge within the cartridge-chamber of the barrel B the head I of the breech-block G, being unable to move farther forward, is at this time rotated to a locking position with the recessed portions 5 5 of receiver C by the action of the firing-pin lugsh h on the angular portions g g of the breech-piece slot G and thus the breech-piece G and barrel on of the receiver C are united in a manner to subject the breech-piece to the rearward im act of the firing of the cartridge, so that the interlocked parts will recoil together.

The reverse or forward endwise motion of the hook with its rod and the rotative move ment imparted to the device, whereby the parts assume their normal osition, as represented in Figs. 7 and 8, is acquired in a manner similar to its rearward and carria efeeding movements hereinbefore describe that is to say, the device K 22 on the resumption of the receiver, spring-impelled, to its normal forward position, carries the hook rod forward without the rotation of said rod because of the twist or cam engagement in the receiver-lug notch until the forward endof the hook-rod and hook encounter the end of the way or passe e therefor in the frame, whereupon the fine portion of the receiver necessarily imparts rotative movement to the belt feed device, leaving it in readiness to engage in the next loop of the belt about concurrently with the withdrawal of the cartridge by the receiver-rib therefrom.

Immediately on the accomplishment of the locking of the head I of the breech-pieoeto the receiver, the lugs h h, coming to the straight ortion g g of the breech-piece slots, the ring-pin H qbuickly jumps forward, impelled by its spring I, and by means of its point, which passes through hole 12 in the breech-piece head I, explodes the cartridge in the barrel.

The immediate effect of this explosion is to cause the recoil of the barrel and attached receiver with its contained breech-piece and firing-pin rearward to the position shown in Figs. 14 and 25 of the drawings, the consequent important, but though very slight, rearward movement of the trip-rod therewith permitting the sear engagement of the firingpin.

The before-described action of the hookrod K a ain carries rearward a fresh cartridge, al as'before described, and these moveas the pressure on the firingutton is continued, or the rapid firings may be intermitted and recarried cartridges successively to position to be engaged by said rib of the receiver, and means for actuating the belt feeding device.

2. In a firearm of the character described, the combination with the frame having a transverse cartridge-feedway, having a chamber to the rear thereof and forwardly endwise connecting with said cartridge-feedway, and said chamber havin an upper wall downwardly and rearward y inclined of the barrel-receiver, endwise movable within the frame, having the upper and lower mortiseopenings and having the cartridge-head-engagin rib.

3. n a firearm of the character described, the combination with the frame having a transverse cartrid e-feedway, having a cham her to the rear t ereof and forwardly endwise connecting with said cartridge-feedway, and said chamber havin an upper wall downwardly and rearward y inclined, of the barrel-receiver, endwise movable within the frame, havin the upper and lower mortise openings 'an having the cartridge-head-engaging rib, and a device for feeding cartridges successively transversely of the frame in said feedway to head engagement with said rib of the receiver.

4. In a firearm of the character described, the combination with the frame having a transverse cartrid feedway, having a chamber to the rear thereof and forwardly endwise connecting with said cartridge-feedway, and said chamber havin an upper wall downwardly and rearward y inclined, of the barrel-receiver, endwise movable within the frame, havin 'the upper and lower mortiseopenings an having the cartridge-head-engaging rib, a spring forwardly reacting against the receiver, and a cartridgebelt feeding device having endwise rearward and forwardly-returning movements in the frame, and also havin an oscillatory movement, said feeding device bein en aged with and actuated by the longitu inafiy-reciprocatin receiver.

5. Tn a firearm of the character described,

the combination with the frame having a transverse cartrid e-feedway, having a chamber to the rear t ereof, forwardly endwise connectin with said feedway, and said chamber aving an upper wall downwardly and rearwardly inclined, and having an openin thereunder through its lower portion, 0 the barrel-receiver, endwise movable within the frame havin the up er and lower mortise-openings and aving t e cartridgehead-engaging part, and a breech piece or bolt carried within and endwise movable relatively to the receiver, and provided with a cartridge-engaging head.

6. In a firearm of the character described, the combination with the frame constructed with the longitudinally-extended opening for the barrel-receiver, said opening having a closed top which is downwardly and rearwardly inclined, and said opening being continued downward] through the lower portion of the frame, an said frame having a cartridge-introduction opening forward of the receiver-opening, with a chamber or passage connecting said two openings, of the barrel-receiver, endwise movable within the frame, havlng the upper and lower openings and having a cartrid e-head-en aging part, and abreech piece or olt carrie within and endwise movable relatively to the receiver, and provided with a cartridge-engaging head.

7. In a firearm of the character described, the combination with the frame havin an openin therein within which the barred-receiver is capable of reciprocating movement, and having a wall above said opening rearwardly and downwardly inclined, and having a cartridge-feedway forward of and communicating with said receiver-opening, of the receiver having an opening from top to bottom therethrough, provided with a cartridge-head-engaging part at its forward portion and having a member extending from the rear of "the vertical receiver-o enin formed with an under surface forward y an upwardly inclined, for the purposes set forth.

8. In a firearm in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway, therethrough, a device for enga ement with the belt-loops for feeding the be t, recoil-actuated means for moving said device lengthwise of the firearm for causing its engagement with, and disengagement from, the belt-loops and means for causing transverse swinging girlivements for the crosswise feeding of the e t. i

9. In a firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway, the ion itudinal rod endwise movable in the frame, aving an offset-belt-engaging member or hook, and said rod having, a s iralcam formation, the receiver arrange rearward movement by recoil within the frame, and having a member in engagement with the spiral cam of said hook-rod, means for limiting the endwise motion of the hookrod, and a spring forwardly reacting against the receiver.

10. In a firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway,

for i the longitudinally-arranged rod endwise movable in the frame, having an offset-beltengaging hook, and said rod having, intermediately of its length, the flat and spirallywinding op osite sides, the receiver to recoil within the ame having a radially-extending recessed lug within which said cam-faced intermediate portion of the hook-rod engages, means for limiting the endwise motions of the hook-rod, and a spring forwardly reacting against the receiver.

11. In a firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway and having a hook-rod bore with a communicating widened chamber at the forward end of said bore also communicating with said feedway, a longitudinally-arranged rod, shorter than said bore and adpted to move endwise therein, having an oifset-belt-engag ing hook in said widened chamber, the receiver to recoil within the frame, having a radially-extending member, and interengaging cam, and cam-engaging formations, appurtenant to the hook-rod and said receiver member, means forlimiting the endwise movement of the hook-rod, and a spring forwardly effective on the receiver.

12. In a firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway and having a hook-rod bore with a communicating widened chamber at the forward end of said bore, also communicating with said fecdway, a longitudinally-arranged rod, shorter than said bore and adapted to move endwise therein, having an oifset-belhengaging hook in said widened chamber, the receiver to recoil within the frame, having a radially-extending member, and interengaging cam, and cam-engaging formations, appurtenant to the hook-rod and said receiver member, means for limiting the. endwise movementsof the hook-rod, a spring forwardly effective on the receiver, and a spring supported by the frame adjacent said cartridge-belt feedway, for engaging and preventing a reversed movement of the belt.

13. Ina firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedway and having a hook-rod bore with a communioating widened chamber at the forward end of said bore, also communicating with said feedway, a longitudinally-arranged rod, shorter than-said bore and adapted to move endwise therein, having an oifset-belt-engaging hook in said widened chamber, the receiver to recoil within the frame, having a radially-extending member, and interengaging cam, and cam-engaging formations, appurtenant to the hook-rod and said receiver member, means for limiting the endwise movements of the hook-rod, a s ring forwardly effective on the receiver, an a spring supportamed by the frame within said widened ber for engaging the said hook.

14. In a firearm, in combination, the frame scares a transverse cartridge-belt feedway and having a hook-rod bore withv a commanicating widened chamber at the forward end of said bore also communicating with said feedway, a longitudinally-arranged rod, shorter than said bore and adapted to move endwise therein, having an ofiset-belt-engagin hook in said widened chamber, the receiver to recoil within the frame,having'anu r wardly-extending member provided with t e sidewise-located cartridge-head-engaging rib.

1-5. Ina firearm, in combination, the frame having a transverse cartridge-belt feedwa and having a hook-rod bore with closing-wal s of bothends thereof and a widened chamber at the forward end of said bore, a lon 'tudinally-arranged rod, shorter than said ore and free for an endwise movement therein having an oil'set-belt-engagin hook in sai widened chamber, and said r05 havin a cam formation, the receiver to recoil wit 'n the frame having a radially-extending lug engaging said hook-rod cam, a sprin encircling said hook-rod, rearwardly resiste and hav ing a forwardly-forcing engagement against said radially-extending lug of the receiver.

16. For a firearm of the character described, the feeding device consisting of a rod havin at the forward end thereof, a returnbent ormation and having intermedia'te'ly a spirally winding cam formation.

17. For a firearm of the character de scribed, the barrel and barrel-receiver con structed with a cartridge-openin transversely therethroughand" rovided wit a radiallyextending member ormed with the cartridgehead-engaging rib.

18. For a firearm of the character described, the barrel, and barrel-receiver constructed with a transverse cartridge-o eni'ng and with the ion itudinal external rib aving an n wardl 8.1K? forwardly inclined cam-surface ocate above said cartridge-opening.

19. For a firearm of the character described, the barrel, and barrel receive'r having a transverse cartridge-opening and having the radial lug constructed with an endwise-opening notch therein, and provided with a sidewise-located cartridge-head-engaging rib.

20. For a firearm of the character described, the barrel-receiver constructed withthe transverse cartridge-opening and having the outwardlyrejecting longitudinallyarranged rib provi ed with the tripvrod-en gaging shoulder 34.

21. For a firearm of the character described, the combination with the barrel-receiver having the transverse cartrid e-aperture therethrough, the radiall -exten ing lug 6 having on the side thereo the cartridgehead-engagin rib 76 and having the lon 'tudinal externa rib 7 with a forwardly an upwardly extending cam-surfaced portion thereof above said aperture.

@the combination with the frame having a'longitudinal barrel-receiver opening therein, of &the bafrelr receiver endwise movable within said opening, and having cartridge-apertures transversely therethrough constructed with llocking-recesses 5, 5, the breech-piece fitted within and longitudinally movable relatively to the receiver, having a forward end head to engage in and disengage from the said locking-recesses, a firin -pin, endwise movable within, and relative y to, the breech-piece, having a rear-end head endwise movable relatively to the frame, but having a non-rotative engagement with the frame, and auto matic means comprised in the breech-piece and firing-pin for'imparting rotational movements to t e breech-piece to lock it with and unlock it from the receiver.

' 23'. In a recoilgun, the combination with the barrelvreceiver, and the breech-piece and fi'ring-pinwithin the receiver, movable in unison, and also independently longitudinally movable each relatively to the other, the piv otally-rnounted sear having a firingin-enmember, of a firing-button, and a dog minted to the sear and having an en agement with thefiring-button to be move longitudinall y in unison therewith but free relatively tosaid firing-button for a movement relativelyacross the len h thereof, and the triprodihaving rabbete and prominent portions in proximity to said dog, and arranged to be e edv by the barrel-receiver for rearward an orwardendwise movements in consonance with the recoil of the barrel, and the return forwardly to the normal position thereof.

24. In a firearm of the character described, the combination with the breech-piece, of the tubular firing-pin therein having a rear-end flange to be sear-en aged, the sear intermediately pivoted in 9. ed rearportion of the firearm and having a forwardly-projecting firing-pin-en(ga(gingmember, an havin a member exten e above the sear-pivot,t e longitudinally-movable firing-button, the triprod automatically longitudinally rearwardly and forwardly movab e, the dog forwardly jointed to the sear, interposed between the scar and trip-rod, in en agement with the firin -button, and said rinig-button dog and trip-rod being constructs and arranged for the firing-button to control the position of the dog whereby it is subject either to firingpin-releasing actuation or non-actuation by the trip-rod, for consequently assurin the release, or continued engagement of t e sear by the firin pin.

25. ha i rearm of the character described, the combination with the frame having a lon- -'tudina-l barrebreceiver openin therein, the ands-receiver endwise movab e rearwardly by recoil-in said frame, a spring forwardly reacting on the receiver, of the breech-piece 22. In a-firearm of the character described,

within and movable in unison with, and also movable independently of said receiver, the tubular firing-pin therein having a rear-end flange to be sear-engaged, the sear intermediately pivoted in a fixed rear portion of the firearm and havin a member extended above the sear-pivot, t e lon itudinally-{movable firin -button, the tri -ro automatically longitu inally rearwar (y and forwardl movable, the dog forwar ly jointed to t e sear, interposed between the sear and trip-rod, in engagement with the firing-button, and said firing-dog and trip-rod being constructed and arranged for the firing-button to control the position of the dog whereby it is subject,

either to firingin-releasing actuation or nonactuation by t e trip-rod,.for consequently assurin the release or continued engagement 0 the sear by the firing-pin.

26. In a reeoil-gun, the combination with the barrel-receiver, and the breech-piece and firing-pin within the receiver, movable in unison, and also independently longitudinally movable each relativel to the other, the pivotally-mounted sear aving a firingpin-en aging member, of a firin button, and a dog ointed to the sear and aving an engagement with the firing-button to be moved longitudinally in unison therewith but free relatively to said firin -button for a movement relatively across t e len th thereof and the trip-rod having a rear-en flange or head in proximity to said dog, formed with the depression 63 having a forwardly-inclining wall, and said trip-rod arranged to be enga ed by the barrel-receiver for rearward an i forward endwise movements in consonance with the recoil of the barrel, andthe return forwardly to the normal position thereof.

27. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with the sear intermediately pivotally mounted, having a firingpin-engaging member, and having a portion above its pivotal point constructed wit a par tially-cireular recess, of the dog of approximately triangular form having a forwardlyrounded portion engaged in said sear-recess, the firing-button movable longitudinally of the firearm, and in engagement with the lower portion of said do and the trip-rod J forwardly and rearward y movable and also cooperating with said dog.

28. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with the sear intermediately pivotal] mounted havin a firingpin-engaging member, of the dog 0 approximately triangular form having a forward portiongplinted to an upper portion of said sear, the 'ng-button' movable longitudinally of the firearm, and having a recess therein, within which the lower portion of said dog ens gages, and the trip-rod forwardly and reargvardly movable and also coacting with said .mately triangular form, having a tion of said dog engages, and across the 29. In a mechanism of the character described, the combination with the sear intermediately pivotall mounted, havin a firingpin-engaging mem er, of the dog 0 approxiorward portion jointed to said sear,the firing-button movable longitudinally of the firearm, and made of tubular form, rearwardly closed and having the recess 66 within which a depending of which a depending portion of the sear protrudes, the spring inte osed between the closed end of the firingutton and said dopendin portion of the sear, and the tri -rod orwar ly and rearwardly movable and also cooperating with the rear ortion of said dog. 30. In a mechanism of the character described, in combination, the sear comprising the sear-hook 55 the upwardly-extending portion having the ap roximately circular socket, and the depen ing member 52 the tubular firing-button, rearwardly endwise closed, and having throu h the rapper wall thereof a recess through w 'ch the epending sear member extends, and having the recess 66 rearwardly therefrom, the spring 50 in comression between the closed end of the firingbutton and the depending sear member and the dog of an approximately triangular form having forward rounded extremity en aged in said sear-socket and having its ownwardly-extending portion engaging in the said recess 66. a

31. In a recoil-o erated firearm the combination with the rame, 'and the barrel and receiver movable by recoil in the frame, of the breech-piece fitted in, and endwise movpop ore

able relatively to, the receiver, the firin -pin fitted within and endwise movable relatively to the breech-piece, aspring forwardly react-- ing on the receiver, a spring forwardly reacting on the firing-1pm, a device for engaging and disengagin t efirin -pin, and alo 'tudinally-shlftab e trip-r0 engaged and s ted by the reciprocating receiver, and coacting with the firing-pin-e ing device.

32. In a recoil-o erat e l earm, the combination with the f fame, having a cartridgeway therein, and the barrel and receiver movable by recoil in the frame, and said receiver having the mortise-o ening crosswise therethrough provided wit the recesses 5, and the cam-rib 7 extending over said ope and also havin the lug 6 provided with t e rib 76, of the reech-piece fitted in, and endwise movable relative] to, the receiver, and having a lockin -hea to engage with and disengage from t e receiver, the -pin fitted within and endwise movable relatively to the breechpiece, a spring forwardly reacting on the receiver, a spring forwardly reacting on the firing-pin, a device for enga and disengaging the firing-pin, means or actuating said firing-pin-engaging device, and means stains iorim arti locking and unlocking motions, indepsndent y of t a longitudinal movements, to the breeclepiece'.

33. In a recoil-o eratedfirearm the combination with the ame, and the barrel and receiver movable by recoil in'the'frame, of the breech-piece fitted in and'endwise movable relatively to the receiver, and having a lockin -head to e age with and disenga e from t e receiver, t e firing-pin fitted witi- 1 the -frame and receiver endwise movable thereon, and having a spring forwardly actin and endwise movable relatively to the breech-piece, a spring forwardly reacting on the receiver, a spring forwardly reactin on the firin pin, a sear for disengaging an engaging t e firing-pin, a dog ointed to the scar, a firing-button with which said dog has an engagement, the-triprod actuated forwardly and rearwardly by the receiver, and having rabbeted and rominent portions ad- 'acent said dog, an means for imparting ocking and unlocking motions, in ependently of its longitudinal movements, to the breechiece.

34. n a recoil-operated gun, the combination with the frame, the barrel and receiver, movable in the frame by recoil, and con structed with lockin -recess therein, and hav= ing a ing or projection 34, and a spring forwardly reacting on the receiver, of the breechpiece carried within the receiver and endwise movable relative] thereto, and havin a part to engage sai locking-recess, the firingpin within the breech-piece and also endwise movable relatively thereto, a firing-pin-enga ing mechanism, a trip-rod havin forward an rearwardly located shoulders Wlth which said receiver-lug alternately engages, and a firing-button coacting with said firing-pinengaging mechanism for establishing coact ing and non-coacting relations between the said mechanism and the trip-rod.

35. In a recoil-operated gun, the combinationwith the frame, the barrel and receiver, movable in the frame by recoil, and constructed withlocking-recess therein, and hav ing a lug or projection 34, and a s ring for wardly reacting on the receiver, of t ebreechpiece carried within the receiver and endwise movable relativel thereto, and having a part to engage sai locking-recess, the filingpin within the breech-piece and also endwise movable relatively thereto, and said breechpiece and firing-pin having interengaging formations whereb the endwise movements of the one relative y to the other imparts successive rotative unlocking and locking movements of the breech-piece from and with the receiver, a firing-pin-en aging mechanism, a

trip-rod having forwar and rearwardly located shoulders with which said receiver-lug alternately enga es, and a firing-button coacting with said ring-pin-engaging mec anismfor establishing coacting and non-coacting relations between the said mechanism and the trip-rod.

36. In a recoil-gun, the combination with the frame of the barrel-receiver, movable endwise relatively thereto, and a spring forwardly reacting thereon, of a rpd engaging the receiver arranged to be movable end Wisein the ame for a distance as great as the receiver movement, and means for detachablylocking said rod against having its full-len th movements.

37. n a recoil-gun, the combination with ing thereon, of the breech-piece and firingpin within the receiver and movable relatively thereto and to each other, in endwise directions, a firingin-engaging mechanism, a trip-rod actuated orw ardly and rearwardly by the movements of the receiver and having a coacting relation with the firing-pin-engagin mechanism, means coacting with the trip-rod for limitingl the movements thereof to com arativel s ort extents, said means being said trip-rod whereby it may havea comparatively long endwise movement for initially setting the parts of the arm in their rearmost positions.

38. The combination with the frame and recoil-barrel receiver havin the upstanding lug 34, of the breech-piece, in -p1n and firing-pin-engaging mechanism, t e trip-rod J havin the forwardly and rearwardly located shoul ers 32 and 33, to be engaged by said receiver-lu and having the separated shoulders orming the boundary of a recess 39, and said tri -rod having the rear-en head constructe with recessed and prominent portions adjacent the firing in-engagin mechanism and a lockin bo t detachalfiy enga ing in said recess 3 and havin a diameter ess than the distance between Fhe shoulder boundaries of said recess.

39., The trip-rod for inclusion in the arm, of the character described, havin the shoulders 32 and 33, the recess 39, t e rearend head having in the forward face thereof a deression 63 with a forwardly-inclining surace.

40. Inafirearm of the character described, the frame having a bore therethrough rearwardly o ening andhaving at the rear end thereof t e downwardly-opening recess constructed with the opposite inner side cuts or recesses 16, 16, in combination with the triprod J endwise movable in the frame, and having sidewise recess 39, the butt-piece adapted to engage in said downwardly-opening recess of the frame and having the opposite side ribs 18, 18, en aging in said recesses 16, and constructed wit the upwardly-opening groove or recess 36, for the accommodation of the adjacent portion of the trip-rod and having in its well a transverse socket with an outward opening therefrom, a bolt in said socket having a one-end engagement isplacea le from engagement with in the trip-rod recess and a spring in said socket in endwise bearing against said bolt.

41. In a firearm, the combmation with the frame, having a longitudinal receiver slide way or chamber therein, formed with a rearwardly and downwardly inclined upper wall, having a bottom cartndFe-shelI-dmcharging o ening, and having its ower wall adjacent t e rear boundary of said opening formed with the rib 80, of the reciprocating barrel-' receiver having a cartridge-head-engaging part, havin the cartridge-0' eningfroxn top to bottom t erethrough, an provided wit forth.

Signed by me at Springfield, Massachusetts, in presence of two subscribing witnesses.

' WILLIAM H. KNOWLES. Witnesses:

WM. S. Bn nowe,

G. R. DmscoLL,

above its opening, 

